Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 22 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /
Georgian Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Baramidze met with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Azubalis in the framework of his working visit to Italy.
The sides discussed the situation in Georgia, the minister's press service told Trend .
The sides noted the importance of expanding and strengthening the mandate of the EU observer mission in Georgia, as well as the importance of strengthening the role of the Geneva talks. The officials noted the EU's role in the peaceful settlement of the Georgia-Russia conflict.
The meeting touched upon issues of Georgia's integration into Euro-Atlantic structures, the progress achieved by Georgia in 2009 in implementing the national reform program and the launch of a national program in 2010.
Moreover, the sides discussed Georgia's integration into the EU. Azubalis noted that Lithuania hails the launch of the Georgia-EU talks about an associated agreement, and the timely signing of agreements to simplify the visa regime for Georgian citizens and establish free trade with the EU.
Baramidze also spoke about the local elections scheduled for late May and stressed the importance of the EU's participation in the run-up to the elections.
Azubalis reassured his country's support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia and the country's integration into NATO and the EU.
During his visit, Baramidze also met with member of the European People's Party Group Elmar Brok.